Racism – the actions of a few or a widespread problem?

At the weekend there was an incident, an ugly incident which should not have happened and should be stamped out. During a Christchurch rugby game a Fijian player left the field after he was the victim of racial abuse that brought him to tears.

There was no action taken at the time so therefore the offenders are not known. However it now appears a group of up to 40 Lincoln University Students who were supporting the opposing team were involved. At an event that was touted as “Family Friendly”, alcohol was somehow brought in and was in full view of the public. While the alcohol was no doubt a contributing factor, I believe alcohol shows people’s true nature. In this case a very ugly and bigoted one.

This incident has been very publicised and as usual people are quick to state their points of view on social media. The overwhelming response is that it is not acceptable and that Christchurch is well known for it’s racism and indeed is the most racist place in New Zealand. Subsequently other well known rugby players have tweeted that they too have been the victims of racial abuse when they have visited our city to play their sport.

I often do not like social media as a public forum as it tends to be very negative however the whole situation has got me thinking. Are we a racist city? Is racism any worse in Christchurch than anywhere else?

As a white female who has lived my entire life in the lower South Island I am probably not the person to judge. I have never been the victim of racism and have never witnessed any significant incident. Nor do I consider myself to be racist.

Or am I? And do I actually see acts of racism everyday. Perhaps in a form that is so subtle that neither myself or the person doing ii recognises it for what it really is.

The Oxford Dictionary definition of racism is:

Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.

Superior… Prejudice… Discrimination…

I work in an office where a large number of our clientele are Asian. And often there is a language barrier which makes our exchanges difficult to say the least. I always treat my clients with respect yet when I really stop to think about it and honestly ask myself, I can’t definitely say that I have not perhaps said something that could be considered racist. A throwaway comment after a particularly frustrating exchange that I would never say to a person’s face but yet shouldn’t be said at all?

And when I truly think about it I know that others definitely do say things that really are racist. And there again, these particular people would not say it to the other persons face, but that makes it no less bigoted. Even today there was one comment that stood out to me at the time but still, I did not pay it much attention.

This may all be irrelevant to the weekends incident but perhaps we all need to take a long hard look at ourselves. Those jokes or comments would be very offensive if heard by the wrong person

In defence of my city I would like to point out one obvious factor that most people seem to be missing. If it was a group of university students it is highly unlikely they all originate from Christchurch. In fact they have probably come from all over New Zealand and most will return to their home towns and cities when they have finished their student years. So in this case it would suggest that perhaps it is not just a Christchurch issue.

But regardless, I am ashamed it happened here and if it is a particularly bad problem in Christchurch, then why? And what can be done about it?

Ignorance must be an issue. The South Island is traditionally very European so people have not grown up exposed to other cultures and perhaps therefore are not accepting of them. But this is no excuse. The face of our Nation is changing rapidly and we must adapt. And we must be tolerant, and at the end of the day, kind. We share this city, country and world together and no one person is better than the other. And who are we to judge another person on the colour of their skin, or the clothes they wear, or for that matter Christchurch, the school they went to.

I love my city and am proud to call it home. However, whether this is an isolated incident or a widespread problem, there is no doubt it should not have happened. And whether social media plays any part in addressing this issue, it has certainly raised an awareness.

So what do we do with that awareness? I for one will continue to look closer at my own actions and words. I was brought up with the adage, treat others as you would have them treat you. And the world would be a nicer place if everyone lived by it.

I’m not sure who will read this, and whether others will have differing opinions, or if they care. This is something I wrote quickly while the issue was in my mind and is really just a collection of thoughts. But I would be interested in other’s opinions or perhaps their own stories so feel free to comment. Maybe social media can have a positive effect……